Durs Egg vs Deluxe Siler

[Rifleman1776]

Greebe, if you put the wrong style lock on your rifle your build will spotted/labeled a "newby" or "careless" or "ignorant" first-gun builder-no matter how fine the architecture, fit, and finish. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Hugely, disagree. :shake:
One of our members here came my club shoot last week and brought a rifle he had built. It was a well done piece of workmanship. Style, lock, etc. didn't fit anything you might find in the history books. But, this is a do yer own thang game. And that rifle was HIS RIFLE, built the way he wanted it. I suspect through history many personalized rifles were similarly built. And, who is going to argue with a man holding a rifle he built in his hands? :shocked2: :wink: Uniqueness is admirable.

 

[Coot]

this is a do yer own thang game.

Just because historical accuracy is not important to you, do not assume that it is not important to others. The OP asked which lock would be more period correct so he must have some concerns which should not be dismissed out of hand. It is obvious that the Forum membership includes a diverse range of interests from those who are only focused on "putting meat on the table"' to those who are serious reenactors, to those who enjoy building muzzleloaders to varying standards. None of these approaches or interests is wrong. If someone is interested in historical accuracy, that IS his "own thang".

 

[user 13289]

nothing wrong with fantasy guns. at all.

that's not what i'm saying.

I said some folks will know the difference and most won't.

I started out with a "headstrong-make a dang gun" attitude myself. I didn't quite get all the focus on replication of times past. I get that angle now, and others "get it even more".

One doesn't have to be a re-enactor/living history buff trying to get certified by committee to enter the primitive camp, in order to give a care what others' might think and say about the signals your gun is sending out.

Maybe you only make one, and want it to be "right" for all time. Making a rifle is a lot of work and some money. A fellow might want to know beforehand if he's on the "edge" of a step.

It's all a part of educating ourselves. cheers.

 

[Rifleman1776]

this is a do yer own thang game.

Just because historical accuracy is not important to you, do not assume that it is not important to others. The OP asked which lock would be more period correct so he must have some concerns which should not be dismissed out of hand. It is obvious that the Forum membership includes a diverse range of interests from those who are only focused on "putting meat on the table"' to those who are serious reenactors, to those who enjoy building muzzleloaders to varying standards. None of these approaches or interests is wrong. If someone is interested in historical accuracy, that IS his "own thang".

He also stated he had a "visual preference" for another style.
Don't assume I, or anyone, has, or has no, concern for historical accuracy. There is broad latitude for what we do in this avocation and how we do it.

 

[54ball]

There are really lots of lock choices for a 1770s Lancaster butt Egg's lock is not one of them.

As mentioned the Germanic large Siler is a great choice. It's a no nonsense lock with a superb history especially the ones made by Chambers. That statement cannot be made about the Egg lock and it's parent company.

There have been some problems with the Egg and other L&R locks in recent years. They are fixable and are still good locks, but still. Chambers on the other hand, as mentioned has a superb track record. So Chambers is as close as plug and play as you can get in a non customized flintlock.

To be fair a member on here reports that he has had a problem with a Davis lock but they have a good reputation.

Other offering by Chambers that would work with a 1770 Lancaster...

Early Ketland
Golden Age
Early Germanic for 1770 & earlier
Deluxe Siler
Dale Johnson

L&R...
Classic
Dickert
Jeager for a early rifle
Trade lock

R. E. Davis...

Davis Siler
Colonial American
Early Germanic
Contract Rifle
Twigg for later era Lancasters/Virginias 1780+
This one may get me trouble but I like the looks of the M&G Continental for very early rifles
Early Kentucky +single trigger only+ no fly
M&G Classics, one with standard the other with brass pan

 

[Zonie]

I agree with you.

Most people won't know the difference.

I once took several of my longrifles to a retirees club so the members could see what could be done if they wanted to find a new hobby.

These longrifles ranged from Lancaster's to Reading to Bedford style and even after looking at them laying next to each other most of the people didn't see a difference until it was pointed out to them.

These guns were made with close attention to the characteristics of the counties styles before someone asks if they really do all look alike. :rotf:

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Certainly, the L&R Durs Egg lock probably is not appropriate for a Lancaster gun built during the 18th century. However, the Durs Egg lock is not a 19th century design. Locks of that design began appearing in the 1770s in England. The design (roller in the frizzen, etc) was still made but largely out of fashion by 1800. After 1800, rollers usually were placed on the feather spring. I doubt the Durs Egg lock is appropriate for any long rifles because by the time roller-enhanced flintlocks hit the US market in any numbers during the 19th century, they were the later roller-in-spring design. Of course, there probably are some exceptions out there.

dave

 

[Rifleman1776]

a member on here reports that he has had a problem with a Davis lock

Yep, me. A Davis Jaeger, real hunka junka with terrible customer service to boot. Never again.
I have had, or currently have, two L&Rs. Olde English and Classic. Both really great locks. :grin:
In the past, and currently, a Haddaway. How I miss that.
And a Pete Allen built original Siler. Flawless performer for 40 years.
And, a slew of El Cheapo imports that hardly even were decent paperweights.

 

[tdiem52]

i have a chambers golden age lock and i love it